National Indigenous Peoples Day events return to Regina after 2 years – Regina | The Canadian News

Despite some rain, the show continued in the city of Regina, where many turned out for a day dedicated to celebrating the culture and heritage of Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

Hundreds of young and old people gathered at the various events for the National Day of Indigenous Peoples where there was dancing, singing, food and music. It was the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared that the events had occurred in person.

For one organization, the focus was on food security and giving back to the community.

“We invited members of the community to bring a booth or a table … some food and snacks,” said Teresa Innis, manager of essential services for the Newo Yotina Friendship Center. “Part of that is the highlight of food insecurity in the area. We know that many people come to us and other agencies in search of different food resources.”

The Newo Yotina Friendship Center held a street fair with informational booths, powwow dances, Metis jiggers, children’s artists and crafts along with guest speakers.

In the heart of downtown at City Square Plaza, different schools, community members and organizations enjoyed a few hours of entertainment, including Manitoba’s Asham Stompers, who wowed the crowd with their choreographed performance as well as a Parody of comedian Conway Kootenay.

“Many people don’t understand the culture and tradition, especially the language of our people,” Kootenay said. “National Aboriginal Day is a way to show that (and) to educate people who can’t come to the reserve, powwows or events. It’s a great time to be able to do that.”

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At Government House, the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. Russ Mirasty along with Elder Ted Quewezance, a Keeseekoose First Nation residential school survivor, unveiled a memorial to the Saskatchewan residential school.

The monument, which is perched on a large boulder, displays a map of Saskatchewan residential school locations to educate visitors about the history of residential schools.

“There are a lot of bad things that have happened to us. We don’t need people to feel sorry for us. Please don’t do that,” Quewezance said. “We survivors are here in a very good way…healing is a lifelong journey.”

“We need a lasting place where people can come to remember, reflect, pray and think about what residential schools did to our country (and) specifically to indigenous people,” said Mirasty, who is also a survivor of the school. residential.

There was also a graveyard cleanup at the Regina Indian Industrial School site, where community members cleaned up graves and finished with a feast.